The annual book fair may have attracted a large amount of people but its popularity is not reflected in the reading culture among Maltese youth, according to a study.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 28th edition of the fair last week, Education Minister Dolores Cristina expressed concern over the relatively low reading rates among Maltese youths.

According to a study published by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, 37.5 per cent of youths said they did not read on a regular basis, while 40 per cent did not read newspapers. Only 16 per cent of youths chose to read in Maltese.

“Perhaps in the digital age, where the internet and tablets are the new research tools, cultural institutions can create interactive websites to promote Maltese literature,” Ms Cristina said.

“Love for books cannot be imposed but must be nurtured by building a culture in favour of reading.”